Marvelous Middle Grade Monday
The Unfinished Business (Fitzroy Books, 2026) by Stephanie Campisi is a beautifully written book about letting go.
Dari can see the ghosts who stick around. It creates awkward moments when her mother only hears Dari’s half of the conversation, but Dari is used to her odd life. A worried school counselor signs her up for orchestra, which might help Dari make friends. When Dari’s neighbor Maude dies, Maude’s ghost asks her for help in “finishing” unfinished business. While dealing with ghosts, Dari realizes she might have some unfinished business of her own.
This book was really fun–the ghosts are not at all creepy–and is the first book in a series, so hopefully we’ll get to meet Dari and her friends again. Note: the language is sophisticated and it may be difficult for younger middle grade readers. You can purchase the book in paperback or special edition hardcover here.
Read about the Author here and you can also see a list of all her published books on the same page. Many book covers are on the home page.
I didn’t expect to like this book. The prologue is written from the viewpoint of a dog, which I found odd. Then, I thought the story was going to be depressing–the main character is dead after all. And the premise doesn’t match up with my view of the afterlife.